rotge(e Ornith.
[Given by Martens (1675) as the name current among Dutch or Frisian sailors, with the statement that it is derived from the bird's cry rottet tet; but perh. a misunderstanding of Fris. rotgies, pl. of rotgoes, brent-goose.]
The little auk. See also rotche.
| 1694 Martens' Voy. Spitzbergen in Acc. Sev. Late Voy. ii. 76 The old Lumbs have a very tough and dry Flesh, not to disparage the Rotges, Kirmews and young Lumbs when boiled. Ibid. (1711) 91 The calling or crying of the Rotges amongst one another. 1859 Cornhill Mag. I. 109 Passing Cape Dudley Diggs, we landed at a breeding-place of rotges (little auks). 1882 Nature XXVI. 387 Many rotgees had their young among the basaltic columns. |